Lightweight power boat concept

ABSTRACT

A three hulled T configuration displacement power boat that reduces weight by minimizing the structural without sacrificing boat length. The weight is evenly distributed between three hulls and is aligned in a T formation so that the overall boat length would be about three times the hull length. The structure, cargo and passenger(s) are supported above the water as shown in FIG.  1.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Typically a longer boat is preferred over a shorter one. Two popular reasons are that a longer boat is faster and more seaworthy. The down sides are:

-   -   a) This longer boat is significantly heavier since the beam,         also, must be increased for stability.     -   b) In many cases, it has far more buoyancy than needed.

Present techniques to reduce weight include using light weight material or possibly, going to a catamaran/trimaran design. My form of trimaran consists of three small hulls that are arranged in a T configuration with the overall length about three times the hull length and structure and load held above water line. This concept allows the boat to be ‘long’ but minimizes hull and structure weight, minimizes wetted area and maintains good stability.

First impression is that the smaller, specifically short hulls would not allow for the high speed of the longer boat. The historical reasoning for this is that hulls want to climb over the forward pressure wave which greatly increases required power. With shorter hulls the climb angle is greater and builds at a lower speed. But with my concept, the three hulls are held so that they cannot change angle.

Furthermore, by partially lifting the boat with foils the forward pressure wave and wetted surface is reduced.

The hulls are designed only for desired buoyancy and minimum water resistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—Plan photo view of test model showing three equal sized hulled power boat.

FIG. 2—Side view showing the preferred embodiment of the hulls, structure and position of lifting foils.

FIG. 3—Top view showing the preferred embodiment of the hulls, structure and position of lifting foils.

FIG. 4—Front view showing the preferred embodiment of the hulls, structure and position of lifting foils.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The one person test model has a centrally located 20 HP engine and a gross weight of about 540 lbs (includes 175 lb person), FIG. 1. Larger models could have the engines located in the hulls.

Each hull is about 84″ long, 10.5″ wide and 22″ high. It sits about 11 inches in the water at gross weight. The hulls have nearly vertical sides and have strakes/chines (4) a few inches above water line, FIGS. 2, 3 & 4. Modified wedge shape hulls with rounded aft work well at higher speeds. Back hulls (1) & (2) are about one hull length apart and have rudders mounted in the back. Overall boat length is 19.5′. Structure (3), holding hulls (1) and (2) can be located higher, even on top of an enclosed cargo/crew compartment (5).

Each hull has foils (6) centered near the bottom to give the boat partial lift which further reduces wetted area. 

1. A power boat designed with three small hulls that are held in a T configuration to give the overall desired boat length. (FIG. 1)
 2. Per boat in claim 1 that has T frame and load held above water.
 3. Per boat in claim 1 where T frame can be in many forms and not necessarily in one plane.
 4. Per boat in claim 1 that has the engine(s) on frame or in the hulls.
 5. A modified wedge shaped hull with strake/chine as defined and shown in FIGS. 2-4 of this embodiment.
 6. Foils as described in this embodiment and used on the modified wedge shaped hulls. 